Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed profound appreciation to the people of the State for their steadfast love and commitment to his re-election as demonstrated by their unprecedented large turn-out during the official flag off of campaign for his second term bid on Monday.
A huge crowd of party faithful, national officers of the party, prominent leaders, supporters and residents had converged on the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, while hundreds thronged various other locations in the state capital for the flag off campaign rally and other associated activities.
Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, said, he was humbled by the avalanche of love and encomium showered on him as well as the vote of confidence passed on him and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye to run for a second term of office.
While thanking God for a hitch-free event, Governor Oyebanji also thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he said has continued to show tremendous support for him, his administration and Ekiti State in general, thereby enhancing the spate of development and growth in the State.
The Governor took particular note of the demonstrated love and support of APC leaders and members who, he said, made voluntary contributions in their respective local government areas towards the organization of the event. He said the gesture of the party leaders and members was not only encouraging, but a reflection of their commitment the Ekiti agenda.
The Governor said: “Monday’s flag off of our re-election campaign was not only remarkable, it was a historic moment for our dear state, and we thank God Almighty for the hugely successful event that was devoid of any hitch.
“Our profound gratitude goes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the state which has become evident in the all-round development being enjoyed in Ekiti, and to the National Chairman of our party- the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatds, as well as all the national and zonal officers for their unalloyed support and presence at the rally.
“Special appreciation goes Kaduna State Governor/ Chairman National Campaign Council, Senator Uba Sani; Imo State Governor/Chairman, Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma; Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Kogi Governor, Usman Ododo; Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago; and the Chairman, Ekiti State Governorship Election Campaign Council/ Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
“My debt of gratitude also goes to all our esteemed leaders including all former Governors: Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Engr Segun Oni, Chief Ayodele Fayose and Dr Kayode Fayemi; as well as APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru; National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Dr Isaac kekemeke; all former Deputy Governors, serving and former members of the National Assembly; serving and former members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
“My profound thanks to our revered traditional rulers in the state traditional rulers council for their support for the administration. Special thanks to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, who received the APC leaders in his palace, together with the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, HRM Oba Adebayo Adewole; Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, HRM Oba Oluwole Ademolaju; Ologotun of Ogotun – Ekiti, HRM Oba Adebayo Adesanmi. “
The Governor also expressed deep appreciation to over 380 groups and associations that had, in the last one year, endorsed him and his deputy for a second term in office. He also lauded the State Traditional Rulers Council, the labour and trade unions, religious organizations, Ekiti youths and students organisations, market women, leadership of the informal sector and citizens of the state for their sundry support.
